46 per cent increase in homes granted planning permission
The number of homes granted planning permission in Meath was up 46 per cent in 2023 compared to the previous year according to data published by the Central Statistic Offices (CSO) last week.
In 2023, planning permission was approved for 1,979 new homes in the county, compared to 1,349 in 2022.
Commenting on the figures, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, said: “These positive figures indicate that the pipeline for much needed homes in Meath and nationally is continuing to strengthen. Planning permissions were strong in 2023 and, in the same year, all our other key housing indicators continued on a positive trajectory.
“Nationally, last year, we saw the highest number of annual commencements nationally on record, up 21.5 per cent compared to 2022 and the highest number since records began in 2014. Completions last year were the highest in 15 years, with 32,695 new homes completed exceeding 'Housing for All'’s annual target of 29,000 by almost 13 per cent.’’
He added that in line with 'Housing for All' priorities to achieve compact and sustainable growth and revitalise urban centres, there was an annual rise of 40 per cent in the number of multi-development houses receiving planning permission in 2023 throughout the country.
Meanwhile, An Bord Pleanala has agreed with Meath Co Council’s decision to refuse permission for 32 homes on the Kinnegad road, Trim, following an appeal.
Keegan Land Holdings Ltd., lodged a planning application for 29 two-storey houses and three apartments in a three-storey block at Manorland, Kinnegad road, Trim.
A new entrance was proposed off the Kinnegad road and an access to community infrastructure lands to the south. Meath Co Council refused permission for the development and the applicant appealed this decision to An Bord Pleanála.
An Bord Pleanála upheld the council’s decision noting that it is an objective of the Meath County Development Plan that a master plan be agreed for the site before the lodging of any planning application the proposed development was premature pending agreement of the master plan.
It also noted that the development failed to preserve a corridor for the provision of a local distributor road between the Kinnegad Road and Longwood Road, which is to be included in the master plan for the lands.
An Bord Pleanála also stated that a substantial proportion of the proposed development’s public open space appeared to be located on lands zoned for community infrastructure which cannot be included as part of the 15 per cent of total site area open space requirement.